Tony Martin's suspension extended by two months for breaching two rules of racing at Newcastle last month

Tony Martin's three-month suspension for breaking anti-doping rules has been extended by two months after a referrals committee found the trainer acted in a manner prejudicial to the integrity of horseracing at Newcastle last month.

Martin's conduct when Alphonse Le Grande won the Northumberland Vase on June 29 prompted the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) to examine events "in the context of the Irish rules of racing". 

The trainer was originally given a suspended sentence of six months, along with a €10,000 fine, after Firstman tested positive for lidocaine following his win in a Dundalk handicap in January last year. 

The IHRB appealed against the leniency of the punishment, resulting in only three months of the ban being suspended, with Martin losing his licence with immediate effect in May after his quest for a judicial review was unsuccessful.

However, the sanction has been increased to five months, ending on October 16, in addition to a €5,000 fine, following a referral hearing on Thursday. 

The three-person committee found Martin committed a "significant breach of Rules 272(i) and 273(xiii), undermining regulatory authority and damaging the reputation of the horseracing industry in that, once his licence was withdrawn, he continued to act in his capacity as a trainer despite the revocation of his licence".

During his suspension, Martin's horses are being trained by his sister, Cathy O'Leary. However, he was a conspicuous part of the celebrations in the winner's enclosure at Newcastle and Hollie Doyle said that Martin had issued the riding instructions before the race.

Following criticism of the scenes at Newcastle, Martin publicly apologised for not distancing himself from celebrations and said “it was not my intention to flout my suspension”, adding that he “greatly regretted how the whole situation unfolded”. He reiterated his remorse at the hearing.

Tony Martin: trainer has had his suspension extended by two monthsCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The referrals committee considered Martin's celebration of the win as an "affront to the regulatory sanction imposed" and that his actions "have clearly damaged the reputation of horseracing".

The verdict stated: "Having considered the case in the round we find that Mr Martin's active participation and/or knowingly participating in racing-related activities while his licence is withdrawn constitutes a clear violation of regulatory rules. 

"Based on the evidence, adverse inferences can clearly be drawn that Mr Martin effectively circumvented the withdrawal of his licence by having his sister, Cathy O'Leary, hold the licence while he continued to manage the horse at Newcastle. Ms Doyle's confirmation of receiving instructions from Mr Martin substantiates the claim of active involvement. 

"Mr Martin’s actions have provoked substantial criticism and public commentary. In our view, his actions constitute a flagrant disregard of the rules, and he has by his actions brought horseracing into disrepute."

Read these next:

'I greatly regret how the whole situation unfolded' - suspended Tony Martin apologises for Newcastle celebrations

IHRB to 'examine conduct' of Tony Martin after Newcastle appearance 

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